Newbie to DLP - lots of basic questions

[mrswh]

I'm in the information gathering stages of a trip to DLP (would also be my first trip to Europe). I read through some of the sticky threads - great info! I'm still wondering, are the two parks right beside each other or do they require transportation from one to the other? Also, I apologize if this sounds dumb, but coming from the US (where WDW and DLR are both located in year-round warm climates), I am wondering how does DLP work in colder seasons? Are they able to stay open in inclement weather (cold, ice, snow)? Is the setup similar to DLR and WDW (which I view as a largely outdoor experience) or is it set up with more indoor attractions, shows, queues, etc.?

I'll keep reading, just wondering about those things and haven't hit the answers yet. Thanks for any info!

 

[tennisfan]

The parks are next to each other and is walkable (about 2 minutes)

The parks are designed for a more European climate, several rides are indoors but most of the queuing areas are covered over even if the ride is outside. The Studios have more rides/shows indoors

The parks stay open in all weathers, however some rides might close if it snows.

 

[princessesmegandaisy]

If you are coming in the winter Nov to March please pack your thermal clothes its very cold.

 

[mrswh]

Thanks for the responses! I think if we do go, it will be in a warmer season - we get enough of winter here!

 

[kizzabel]

We found the end of May very nice. Warm but not too hot. You're most valuable tool is the school holidays links in the useful info sticky. Avoid school/public holidays and you'll walk onto most rides
Happy planning

 

[Pooh's Bear]

We enjoyed really good weather in March of this year. No rain, just sunshine & it was quite warm. We were fine in jeans & hoodies. If it does rain, you can escape into the arcades which are indoor and enjoy food & shopping & rest stops

The hotels were in close proximity. To be honest, the buses get so full and take ages to load & unload....it will probably be less frustrating & easier to walk!

 

[WhoWhoWhoWho]

I agree about walking, we stayed in the Santa Fe Hotel and the walk between park/studio/village and our hotel was a really pleasant 10 min walk. I got the shuttle bus once and would never do it again! Horible experience!

If it does rain the shows in the studios are good (Animagique and Cinemagique) or there's always eating or shopping to do to get you out of the rain!

We went end of August and the weather was glorious. I like hot weather though, some people may have said it was too hot.

 

[zinderella]

The following website is a lovely and detailed guide to DLP, that I think is better than Disney's own website. You can find out lots of info, see pictures of the rides and explore an interactive map.

http://www.dlrpmagic.com/guidebook/

Have fun planning!

 

[Jonjo]

If your going in winter do take thermals and good winter coats. Its gets cold very quickly. The parks were designed with the European weather in mind and there are plenty of covered walk ways and most of the queuing areas are under cover.

When it does start to snow most of the outdoor rides close down but there are still plenty of indoor rides and shows available. The parks are right next door to each other no more than a 5 mins walk away.

Here are some photos from my trip to the parks when it snowed last December.

 

[Florida2012]

Jonjo,

We went in December just as the snow had finished (and was glad due to driving down!) however, I wish we went when you was there as it looks sooooo beautiful!!

Was it as bitter as it looked? Lol

 

[Jonjo]

Jonjo,

We went in December just as the snow had finished (and was glad due to driving down!) however, I wish we went when you was there as it looks sooooo beautiful!!

Was it as bitter as it looked? Lol

It was lovely, about 4 inches of snow fell within three hours and the parks slowly closed down. Most of the rides closed and by 1pm and by 3pm they started to close the resturants and shops as they were sending CMs home early.

We had the last ride of the day on Cars Quatre Roues Rallye in the Studios when a snow ball fight started between some CMs and guests which was great fun.

On our way out of the the Studios DW stated to make some snow angels in Toon Town and two CMs came over, I thought they were going to tell her to stop and that we had to leave the park as it was closing but they both jumped onto the ground to join her!

DW and I spent the day just wondering around taking photos and helping some of the CM in the Disneyland Park make snowmen in Adventureland. Lucky we came prepared for the weather and had good walking boots on, thermals, and good winter coats and hats so we were nice and warm.

Some more photos can be found here

It was very nice to experiance the parks in the snow, but we won't be going again at Christmas for a while and we lost two days due to the weather.

But it was just so magical with all the Christmas Trees and the snow!

 

[queendisney]

If you are coming in the winter Nov to March please pack your thermal clothes its very cold.

OMG yes this is a def....went once in December and can honestly say I have never felt so cold in my life!!!!!!!!! It was glorious to see all the ice/snow etc it was all very pretty but my god it was sooooooooooo coooooooooooold!!!!!!

 

[Florida2012]

JonJo,

These pictures are absolutely amazing!

Kind of wish I could be there with the snow but, as you say, you'd lose too much time! Plus I'd imagine there wasn't many character's about!!

Matt

 

[daiseyirl]

jonjo the pics look fab!! Reminds me of our early jan 09 trip! Bitter bitter cold! Im really in 2minds about going back this jan! Dont think i can face it tbh.

 

[mrswh]

Wow, Jonjo, thanks for sharing your photos! It looks so beautiful in the snow! (While sitting here in my warm house, of course!) Having been to DLR and WDW many times I view Disney as a warm weather trip, so it's very strange to think of going in the cold.

Thanks, everyone, for all the responses - love all the great info on this board!